Clustered Blacksnakeroot

Clustered Blacksnakeroot
Sanicula odorata

There are 25 plant species in Indiana that have the word "snake" in the common name.  This is a testament to how much snakes were feared.  They tried everything to cure snake bites, including the roots of the Sanicula species.  Native Americans in particular used the roots and other parts of the plant to make a poultice to put over the snake bite.  It's possible that this may work, although they would have to have the roots handy to be able to administer it in time.  I don't suppose anyone uses this anymore.

It is called "Clustered" Blacksnakeroot due to its habit of forming large clusters of plants in shaded woodlands in the summertime.

The little pom-poms have greenish-yellow flowers that are not at all showy in the woodlands in mid-summer.